Decorative screen with removable panel inserts

ABSTRACT

A decorative panel is comprised of a frame having a removable or hinged frame member; at least one decorative panel insert removably placed within the frame; and retaining means for removably retaining at least one panel insert within the frame. Alternatively, the frame may be provided with a recess on the interior thereof in which the panel insert is positioned, and a sub-frame is provided to retain the panel insert in the recess in the frame. The sub-frame may be held in place with magnets or other fastening means.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 09/626,383 filed Jul. 26, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The current invention relates to screens with a possibility of uses including but not limited to:

[0003] reshape, redefine, redesign space

[0004] diffuse daylight

[0005] hiding clutter or unattractive spaces of a room

[0006] dividing interiors to maximize space

[0007] change of atmosphere

[0008] decor and ornamentation

[0009] display art, collectibles, photographs, etc.

[0010] block drafts/heat

[0011] create intimacy/privacy

[0012] create themes (Christmas, seasons, holidays)

[0013] bulletin boards/message center

[0014] jewellery (e.g. earing holder)

[0015] separate functional areas of a room

[0016] fireplace screen

[0017] create an enclosed space

[0018] shutters for windows or other apertures

[0019] doors for cupboards located at any room in a house or business and picture or photograph frames.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0020] The recent rise in popularity of open living spaces has expanded the need for options in interior design. Recently screens are being used more frequently in homes and offices to provide more options for the decor and space utilization. This is witnessed by the presence of screens in sales catalogues, stores and interior design magazines.

[0021] One possible solution to the above need is the use of well-known Chinese or Japanese screens. These screens, well-known in the Far East for millennia, offer flexibility in designs. They can be placed wherever the user or decorator may desire, are easily relocatable, and are decorative. The entire screen or individual panel's decoration is normally colourful and can be used to match different decors. Such screens often have significant drawbacks—to change the decor or functionality, a user would have to replace the screen, thereby incurring both cost and inconvenience. There are existing designs whereby the decorative panel may be removed and replaced with a panel of a different design. One method is to have a slot in the top of the frame through which the panel may be slid out. This slot, however, being at the top of the panel is subject to the collection of dust and is difficult to clean. Another design is where a portion of the top is removable and the panel is again slid out and replaced. These designs have the drawback that the removable panel must be withdrawn and replaced through the top. This may be accomplished in two main ways. One, the user may require a very tall ceiling and the use of a ladder to remove the panel vertically through the slot in the top of the frame. Secondly, the whole screen must be laid down and the panel removed by sliding horizontally. This risks damage to the decorative panel from the friction of the sliding action and possible scraping against another decorative panel within the same multi-leaf screen. As well, if such an arrangement were to be used within a cupboard there may there may very likely be insufficient room between the top of the door and the ceiling of the room to actually withdraw the panel. This would then require the door to be dismounted to actually change the decorative panel. This same problem would apply for such devices used in window shutters.

[0022] A screen may consist of one or multiple panels. One panel may be free-standing with the use of one or more feet. Two or more panels pivotally attached and at an angle to one another, can stand on their own. In addition, they may be positioned on a rail(s) or attached to a structure (e.g. a wall). As well, outdoor screens can be fixed to a floor (e.g. a deck) or spiked into the ground. The foregoing examples are not all encompassing for this type of screen.

[0023] From the above, there is therefore a need for a screen, cupboard door, shutter, etc design that overcomes the drawbacks of: replacing the whole screen, door, shutter, etc; risking sliding damage to the decorative panel; and the ceiling height requirement in order to change the decor or functionality.

[0024] It is the primary objective of this invention to provide an improved frame, door, shutter, etc for the decorative panels.

[0025] It is another object of this invention to provide a decorative panel frame including a removable sub-frame to provide access to a decorative insert.

[0026] It is a further objective of this invention to provide a decorative panel frame including a removable sub-frame which will not detract from the appearance or strength of the frame.

[0027] It is still a further objective of this invention to provide a decorative panel frame including a removable sub-frame that will provide easy access to the removable decorative insert without the need for high ceilings, ladders or the dismounting of doors or shutters in order to effect the change of decorative inserts.

[0028] It is a still further objective of this invention to provide an improved panel frame which is suitable to simple manufacturing process.

[0029] These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which forms an integral part thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The current invention provides devices which allow for at least one removable panel insert in a screen panel, cupboard door shutter, or the like. The screen may consist of a single panel (freestanding), or a multiple of panels hinged together with the use of suitable feet or individual panels may be combined to form a multi-panel screen. So may other arrangements such as shutters. The invention is described for one panel, however, the invention would apply to any or all of multiple panels where so employed.

[0031] Panel inserts are removable by removing a frame member from the panel and sliding the panel insert from the frame or by removing an inner sub-frame. This sub-frame which may be retained for example by magnets, would be removed by pulling the sub-frame from the frame, releasing the decorative panel, which would then be removed from the frame, and if required, replaced by a new decorative panel. A new panel insert can then be inserted into the frame, providing a different decor or functionality. The frame member or sub-member can then be positioned to retain the panel insert in the frame.

[0032] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a decorative panel comprising:

[0033] a frame having a plurality of slotted frame members and a removable or hinged frame member;

[0034] at least one decorative panel insert removably retained within the slotted frame; and

[0035] retaining means for removably retaining the panel insert within the frame.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a removable decorative panel insert for use with a decorative panel, said panel insert having two sides with at least one side being decorated and said panel comprising:

[0037] a frame having a removable frame member; and

[0038] retaining means for removably retaining said panel insert within said frame.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for the assembly of a decorative panel, said kit comprising:

[0040] a base member;

[0041] a plurality of slotted frame members, said frame members and base member comprising a frame when assembled;

[0042] at least one decorative panel insert for removable placement within said frame;

[0043] retaining means for removably retaining said at least one panel insert within said frame; and

[0044] attachment means for attaching frame members for the assembly of said frame.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a decorative screen comprising a plurality of decorative panels, each decorative panel comprising:

[0046] a frame having a removable frame member;

[0047] at least one decorative panel insert removably placed within said frame; and

[0048] retaining means for removably retaining at least one panel insert within said frame.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for the assembly of a frame for use with a decorative panel having at least one removable panel insert, said kit comprising:

[0050] a base member;

[0051] a plurality of frame members,

[0052] retaining means for removably retaining said at least one panel insert within said frame; and

[0053] attachment means for attaching frame members and base member for the assembly of said frame.

[0054] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for the assembly of a panel insert for use with a decorative panel frame, comprising:

[0055] panel insert components

[0056] spacers, and

[0057] means for assembling and decorating said panel insert.

[0058] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a decorative panel comprising, a frame formed of a plurality of frame members, each principal frame member being of L-shaped cross-section, the principal frame members being joined together to form a recess extending around the inner edge of the frame, magnets installed in the face of the recess, at least one decorative panel insert placed within the recess, a secondary retaining frame overlying the recess and retained by said magnets.

[0059] In another aspect, the present invention provides a decorative panel comprising a frame with a recess in a face thereof, a decorative panel insert in the recess, the panel having magnetic material on the side thereof facing the recess, and magnets in the recess to hold the insert in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0060] A better understanding of the invention may be obtained by reading the detailed description of the invention below, in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0061]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a decorative screen in accordance with the prior art;

[0062]FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a decorative panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0063]FIG. 3 is a top view of the panel of FIG. 2 showing the channels in phantom;

[0064]FIG. 4 is a sectioned view of one corner of the panel of FIG. 2;

[0065]FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate different embodiments of the channel shown in FIG. 3;

[0066]FIG. 6 is a cross section of FIG. 2 along lines 6-6;

[0067]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 along lines 7-7;

[0068]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the invention illustrating the use of support means and hinge means;

[0069]FIG. 9 is an elevation of an alternative form of panel from the front;

[0070]FIG. 10 is a cross section on the line 10-10 of a frame member of FIG. 9;

[0071]FIG. 11 is a partial elevation of a frame member with a magnet and cup installed therein;

[0072]FIG. 12 is a partial elevation of a sub-frame member, with a metal washer installed, and FIG. 13 is a section through a frame used without a sub-frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the invention is shown in elevation. A panel 10 has a frame 20 and a panel insert 30. The frame 20 has three frame members 40A, 40B, and 40C and a base member 50.

[0074] Frame member 40C is removably attached or hinged to frame members 40A and 40B. Both of frame members 40A and 40B are attached to base member 50. As shown in phantom in FIG. 2, all frame members have a channel 60 into which the panel insert 30 is inserted. A top view of the panel 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3 showing in phantom the channels 60 in frame members 40A and 40B. The channels 60 retain the panel insert 30 (shown in phantom as well) within the frame 10. Also detailed in FIG. 3 are the attachment means 70 used to attach frame member 40C with frame members 40A and 40B. These attachment means 70 are preferably easily removable to facilitate the replacement of the panel insert 30.

[0075]FIG. 4 shows a cut-away view of one corner of panel 10. As can be seen, attachment means 70 includes a bolt 80, preferably with a hexagonal socket head, washer 90, and a threaded insert nut 100. The bolt 80 is countersunk into frame member 40C while threaded insert nut 100 is placed in hole 110 within frame member 40B. Similar construction and tools are used on the junction between frame member 40A and frame member 40C.

[0076] Regarding channels 60, the panel insert 30 is inserted into channels 60 located on one side of frame members 40A, 40B, and 40C. To illustrate, FIG. 5A and 5B show different variations on how panel insert 30 is inserted. FIG. 5A and 5B are a cross-section across lines 5-5 in FIG. 2. FIG. 5A illustrates frame member 40A having a channel 60 in which panel insert 30 is inserted. FIG. 5B illustrates a variant of FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5B, a thinner panel insert 30 is used along with a spacer 120 placed between channel 60 and panel insert 30. Such a spacer 120 would provide a better fit between panel insert 30 and channel 60. While FIGS. 5A and 5B only illustrate frame member 40A, a similar construction can be used on frame members 40B and 40C.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, a cross section of FIG. 2 along lines 6-6 is illustrated. FIG. 6 shows panel insert 30 inserted in a channel 60 in base member 50. A spacer, similar to spacer 120 can also be used in this configuration to provide a better fit between panel insert 30 and base member 50.

[0078]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 along lines 7-7. FIG. 7 illustrates a channel 60 in frame member 40C in which panel insert 30 is inserted. A spacer, similar to spacer 120 shown in FIG. 5B, may be used to provide a better fit between panel insert 30 and frame member 40C.

[0079] Frame members 40A, 40B, and 40C and base member 50 may be constructed out of wood, plastic, metal, or any suitably stiff material suitable as a frame. The channels 60 may be machined out of the frame and base members or the frame and base members may be molded to have the channel present.

[0080] Panel insert 30 is ideally decorated on both sides so that the panel 10 may provide a decorative function on both sides. Preferably, panel insert 30 has edges which are constructed out of or edged with a stiff material so that the material may be easily insertable into channels 60. Panel insert 30 may be unitarily constructed with its decorations applied directly to its material. Wood, light metal, and plastic are examples of rigid materials for panel insert 30. A panel insert 30 may be made with more flexible materials, such as fabric or paper, framed with spacers similar to 120 to provide rigidity.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The panel 10 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2 but has now been provided with support means 130 and hinge means 140, 150. Support means 130 in this embodiment are feet which allow the panel 10 to be free standing. Hinge means are cooperating hinges 140, 150 which can cooperate with similar structures on other panels. Cooperating hinges 140 are insertable into cooperating hinges 150 to form a complete hinge. These cooperating hinges, when used, can form multiple screen partitions with each screen partition being a free self standing panel.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 9 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in elevation. A panel 200 has a frame 210, a sub-frame 220 and a panel insert 230. Both frame 210 and sub-frame 220 may be made of a single piece or of a number of individual pieces joined together by any number of commonly known and used methods. For a wooden frame such joints could be mortise and tenon, lap joints, butt joints with biscuits or any other common woodworking joints in common use. Such methods are in common use and knowledge and do not form part of the present invention.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, frame 210 has a recess 260 around the inner edge into which the panel insert 230 and the sub-frame 220 fit on assembly.

[0084] Sub-frame 220 is removably inserted into frame 210 with panel insert 230 sandwiched between them. Sub-frame 220 retains panel insert 230 in the frame by lining up the magnetic material in sub-frame 220 with the magnets installed in frame 210.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, grooves 270 are provided at each magnet location in sub-frame 220 into which a tool such as a screwdriver or simply fingernails may be inserted to provide leverage to remove the sub-frame.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 10, a cross section of FIG. 9 along lines 10-10 is illustrated. FIG. 10 shows panel insert 230 inserted in the recess in frame 210 and being retained by sub-frame 220. The magnetic method of retainment is illustrated in section. In frame 210 magnet 310 is held in steel cup 300 by magnetic force. Cup 300 is inserted into hole 240 and retained in place by screw 330. In sub-frame 220 steel washer 320 is retained in hole 250 by screw 330. The placement of holes 240 and 250 are such that they are in alignment and thus align magnet 310 and steel washer 320. The panel insert 230 is retained in place by the magnetic attraction of the washer 320 to magnet 310.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 11, a partial elevation of the installation of the magnet and cup along lines 11-11 is illustrated. FIG. 11 shows magnet 310 inserted in cup 300 which is in turn installed in hole 240.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, a partial elevation of the installation of the steel washer along lines 12-12 is illustrated. FIG. 12 shows steel washer 320 installed centrally in hole 250.

[0089] The strength of magnet 310 varies with diameter and thickness and steel washer 320 is normally the same diameter as the magnet. The strength of the magnet used will depend on the weight of the panel insert and, should additional strength be required, steel washer 320 can be replaced with a magnet and cup. Holes 240 and 250 would be sized for the largest magnet applicable to the size of frame to accommodate such changes. The number and location of magnets can also be varied according to the application. Should some of the original magnets installed not be required they can be temporarily removed. The holes are placed such that the magnets or empty holes will not be visible.

[0090] In the second embodiment in FIG. 13 there would be no sub-frame 220. Sub-frame 220 would be replaced by a steel washer 320.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13, frame 210 has a recess 260 around the inner edge into which the decorative panel insert 230 fits on assembly and the steel washer, or washers 320 are used as the retaining means for the decorative panel insert 230. As before, should additional retaining strength be required the steel washer 320 can be replaced with a magnet 310. The number and placement of the magnets 310 and the washers 320 is a design choice dependant on the size and weight of the panel insert 230.

[0092] From the above, different decorations can be used on the panel insert 30. If the user is in a festive, holiday mood, he may decide to replace panel insert 30 with a panel insert having a Christmas theme. Alternatively, if the user has replaced his burgundy coloured furniture with fuschia coloured furniture, the panel, if populated with a panel insert which matches burgundy furniture, can be replaced with a panel insert which matches fuschia furniture. Furthermore, as noted above, if the panels are used with one another using the cooperating hinges, a full screen, comprising multiple panels, can be used to create a whole wall or partition.

[0093] It should be noted that the panels need not only be used as partitions. In smaller dimensions, the panels can be used to provide a decorative shade on a window. Or, by using multiple panel inserts in one frame, different decorative effects and designs can be taken advantage of.

[0094] Another variant would be to have different panel inserts facing different faces of the panel. This could be used to proper effect if a user has two different types of decor in a room separated by a screen made of multiple panels. A first side of each panel insert can have a design conforming to the decor of the first side of the room while the second side of each panel insert can have a design conforming to the second side of the room. Alternatively, two back-to-back panel inserts may be used on one frame with each panel insert showing a decorated side to a viewer.

[0095] A person understanding the above-described invention may now conceive of alternative designs, using the principles described herein. All such designs which fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto are considered to be part of the present invention. 

We claim:
 1. A decorative panel comprising: a frame having a plurality of slotted frame members and a removable or hinged frame member; at least one decorative panel insert removably placed within said slotted frame members; and retaining means for holding said removable or hinged frame member in a position to prevent removal of said insert, and removably retaining said panel insert within said slotted frame members.
 2. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein each panel insert is slidably removable from within said slotted frame members, when said retaining means is removed.
 3. A panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein each panel insert has two sides and is decorated on both sides.
 4. A panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame includes: at least two frame members; a base member; and wherein said base member is attached to said side frame members.
 5. A panel as in claim 4 wherein said retaining means includes channels in each frame member and wherein each panel insert is slidably installable in said channels.
 6. A panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said removable or hinged member is hinged to an adjacent frame member.
 7. A removable decorative panel insert for use in a decorative panel, said panel insert having two sides with at least one side being decorated and said decorative panel comprising: a frame having a removable frame member; and retaining means for removably retaining said panel insert within said frame.
 8. A panel insert as claimed in claim 7 wherein said panel insert is slidably removable from within said frame when said retaining means is removed.
 9. A decorative panel comprising at least three primary frame members, each primary frame member being elongate and L-shaped in cross-section, such that when the frame members are connected, a recess extends around the inner sides of the frame; a removable decorative panel insert received in and adapted to fit in said recess; a supplementary frame adapted to retain said panel insert in said recess, and means for releasably retaining said supplementary frame in said recess, thereby preventing said panel insert from leaving said recess.
 10. A decorative panel comprising at least three primary frame members, each primary frame member being elongate and L-shaped in cross-section, such that when the frame members are connected, a recess extends around the inner sides of the frame; a removable decorative panel insert received in and adapted to fit in said recess, and means for releasably retaining said panel insert in said recess.
 11. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 9 in which said means for releasably retaining said supplementary frame in said recess comprises a plurality of permanent magnets positioned in said recess, and ferromagnetic material associated with said supplementary frame, attracted by said magnets.
 12. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 10 in which said means for releasably retaining said panel insert in said recess comprises a plurality of permanent magnets positioned in said recess, and ferromagnetic material associated with said panel insert, attracted by said magnets.
 13. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 11, in which said magnets are retained in ferromagnetic cups.
 14. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 12, in which said magnets are retained in ferromagnetic cups.
 15. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 13, in which said ferromagnetic material comprises a plurality of steel washers fastened to said supplementary frame in alignment with said magnets when said supplementary frame is in said recess.
 16. A decorative panel as claimed in claim 14, in which said ferromagnetic material comprises a steel washer fastened to said insert panel in alignment with said magnets when said insert panel is in said recess. 